Running Claude Code on Remote Servers: The Complete Setup Guide
Set up AI-powered development on your VPS, cloud instance, or remote workstation.
Why Run Claude Code Remotely?
Running Claude Code on a remote server offers several advantages:
- Persistent sessions: Keep Claude running even when your laptop is closed
- More resources: Use a powerful server for large codebases
- Access from anywhere: Connect from any device, any location
- Team collaboration: Share sessions across team members
- Production environment: Develop directly where code will run
Prerequisites
- A remote server (VPS, EC2, DigitalOcean droplet, etc.)
- SSH access to the server
- Node.js 18+ installed on the server
- An Anthropic API key
Step 1: Install Claude Code on the Server
SSH into your server and install Claude Code:
# SSH to your server
ssh user@your-server.com
# Install Claude Code globally
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
Step 2: Set Up Your API Key
Configure your Anthropic API key as an environment variable:
# Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
echo 'export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-key-here"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
Security Note: Never commit your API key to version control. Use environment variables or a secrets manager.
Step 3: Use tmux for Persistent Sessions
Use tmux to keep Claude running even after you disconnect:
# Start a new tmux session
tmux new -s claude
# Start Claude Code
cd /path/to/your/project
claude
# Detach with Ctrl+B, then D
# Reattach later with:
tmux attach -t claude
Step 4: Set Up Bridge Terminal for Mobile Access
Install Bridge Terminal to control your remote session from your phone:
# Install Bridge Terminal on the server
curl -fsSL https://www.bridge-terminal.com/install.sh | sh
# Run Claude through the bridge
bridge-terminal
# Scan the QR code with the mobile app
Now you can monitor your remote Claude session from anywhere - get notifications when Claude needs input, approve changes on your phone, and never miss a critical moment.
Advanced: Headless Background Mode
For fully automated workflows, you can run Claude Code as a background service:
# Create a systemd service (Linux)
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/bridge-terminal.service
# Service content:
[Unit]
Description=Bridge Terminal Service
After=network.target
[Service]
User=youruser
WorkingDirectory=/path/to/project
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/bridge-terminal
Restart=always
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Security Best Practices
- Use SSH keys: Disable password authentication
- Firewall rules: Only expose necessary ports
- Keep software updated: Regularly update Node.js and system packages
- Use secrets management: Consider HashiCorp Vault or AWS Secrets Manager
- Monitor access: Check logs for unauthorized access attempts
Troubleshooting
Connection drops: Use tmux or screen to persist sessions.
API rate limits: Add delays between large operations.
Permission issues: Ensure proper file permissions in your project directory.
Control Remote Sessions from Your Phone
Install Bridge Terminal and never lose connection to your remote development.
Download Bridge Terminal FreeBridge Terminal Team
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